Zeigler throws complete game in Warhawk win
The baseball series between ULM (15-11, 4-5 SBC) and FIU(18-12, 4-5 SBC) could be summed up with one word: pitching. Unfortunately for the Hawks, they would only win that battle once as they would lose the series two games to one.
Drew Granier (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season in a 6-3 defeat to open the series, but the team would fight back in game two.
Randy Zeigler (3-2) had a better day on the mound Saturday and pitched a complete game. Zeigler said that he was not surprised about his complete game effort, and it was what he has been striving for.
“I just tried to throw strikes and let the defense take over,” he said.
The strategy seemed to work as his only mistake of the night was a solo shot by FIU designated hitter Mike Martinez that barely squeezed over the left field wall which cut the lead to 2-1. Jarrett Hammond answered the run in the 5th inning with his own homer, and Jeremy Sy, who tripled in a run earlier, added an RBI double to make the score 4-1.
Luke Briley (2-2) took the mound in game three. However, his afternoon would be forgettable as FIU scored five runs against him in less than two innings. The Warhawks were held to only seven hits and ultimately shutout by a score of 12-0. “They got a chance to stay in a comfort zone,” said coach Schexnaider on Sunday’s game.“ We kept battling trying to get something started and never could.”
After Sunday’s loss, the Warhawks have now dropped their last two conference series and five of their last eight games.“This conference is tough,” said Schexnaider. “Every team can beat ya, and you can’t make mistakes. We have to play our best game every game.”
Zeigler echoed his coach’s sentiment after the loss saying that it is disappointing to lose, but the team has to stay together and focus on winning. The Hawks will try to get back in the win column at home against McNeese State on Tuesday before another three game home stand versus the Red Wolves of Arkansas State.
